How does ecological succession relate to an island environment?
Standards Addressed:
Science 1.03: Explain why an ecosystem can support a variety of organisms. 1.04: Discuss and determine the role of light, temperature, and soil composition in an ecosystem’s capacity to support life.
ELA Common Core Standards RI.5.3.: Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.
Lesson Objective:
Students will develop an understanding of ecological succession as it relates to an island environment.
Assessment:
Flow chart of the essential stages of succession
Tools:
Projector or SMART board, copies of pages 2 and 3 of "Succession of Communities", white paper and colored pencils
Introduction:
Opening Question: How does bare rock from a volcanic eruption begin to support life?
Procedures:
An island begins with bare rock from a volcanic eruption, now it is a vibrant ecosystem. Students will work in small groups to come up with a visual of how this transformation happens. (Possible ideas are: flow chart, diagram, list, etc.) Students will share their product with the class.
In small groups or pairs, read pages 2 and 3 of "Succession of Communities" and answer the questions throughout the reading. If time allows, work through the entire packet for deeper discussion of primary and secondary succession on pages 1, 4, and 5.
After completion of “Succession in Communities,” students will revisit their visual of how bare rock becomes an active ecosystem by creating a flow chart of the essential stages of succession.
Closing question: What stage of succession is the Crystal Island game in? You must support your answer.
1.03: Explain why an ecosystem can support a variety of organisms.
1.04: Discuss and determine the role of light, temperature, and soil composition in an ecosystem’s capacity to support life.
ELA Common Core Standards
RI.5.3.: Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.
How does bare rock from a volcanic eruption begin to support life?